Air Fryer Chicken Strips

Use your air fryer for these chicken tenders that will change your life forever and always leave you smiling and wanting more. Cheers! This recipe can be made gluten-free with a couple of simple substitutions.

breaded and fried chicken tenders on round celadon plate
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Marinate Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
5
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 5 servings

  • 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Marinade:

  • 1 cup dill pickle juice

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke

Egg Wash:

  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature

  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Breading:

  • 2 cups all purpose flour, divided

  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs

  • 4 teaspoons paprika

  • 1 tablespoon white pepper

  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt

  • 2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon celery salt

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard

  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

  • coconut oil cooking spray

Directions

  1. Slice chicken breasts into 1-inch strips lengthwise and place in a shallow pan.

  2. Whisk pickle juice, milk, and liquid smoke together in a cup; pour over chicken, and place chicken into the refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes.

  3. Meanwhile, whisk eggs and ranch dressing together in a shallow bowl. Place 1 cup flour in a separate shallow bowl.

  4. Whisk remaining 1 cup flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, white pepper, garlic salt, confectioners’ sugar, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, dry mustard, ginger, chili powder, and salt together in a third shallow bowl.

  5. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Drain chicken strips and thoroughly dry with paper towels.

  6. Dredge chicken strips in flour. then dip strips in egg mixture, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Drop chicken strips, 1 at a time, in the breadcrumb mixture and coat thoroughly.

  7. Lay strips in a single layer without touching into the air fryer basket. You may have to work in batches. Thoroughly spray with coconut oil.

  8. Air fry for 6 minutes. Turn chicken over; spray with coconut oil, and continue to air fry until juices run clear and chicken is no longer pink at the center, about 6 more minutes. An instant read thermometer inserted near the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Repeat with remaining chicken pieces.

Cook's Note:

To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use gluten-free almond flour or gluten free measure-for-measure flour in place of all-purpose flour. Use a gluten free breadcrumb, such as Aleia’s® Gluten-Free Plain Bread Crumbs for the breadcrumbs.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

753 Calories
22g Fat
64g Carbs
70g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 5
Calories 753
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 275mg 92%
Sodium 3003mg 131%
Total Carbohydrate 64g 23%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 15g
Protein 70g 139%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 166mg 13%
Iron 6mg 36%
Potassium 755mg 16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.